After years of delays and anticipation, the construction of the new Friesenbrücke is finally gaining momentum. The first bridge sections were installed this week, marking a significant milestone in this long-awaited project.
Former Mayor of Weener, Ludwig Sonnenberg, recalls the numerous delays that plagued the project. “In 2016, Deutsche Bahn promised it would be finished the following year. And then the year after that. This went on until I left office in 2021,” he told RTV Noord.
Project manager Alexander Heinemann from DB InfraGO explains the reason for the delays: “This is set to be the largest lift-and-turn bridge in all of Europe. We’ve never realized a plan like this before.” The bridge’s intricate design and the sheer scale of the project have presented unique engineering challenges.
Lessons from the past: Engineers implement advanced safety measures
To prevent a recurrence of the 2015 accident, where a cargo ship struck the old bridge, the new Friesenbrücke’s design has been carefully modified. Georg Haase, director of Nautitec, the project’s supervisor, stated, “We’ve adjusted the bridge’s height and width and paid close attention to the river’s current, resulting in a much safer structure.”
The construction site has attracted many visitors, with a viewing platform providing a clear view. Sonnenberg and his wife frequently visit, often bringing their grandchildren who enjoy watching the progress.
Located about 10 kilometers inside Germany, the bridge spans the Ems river. Since the accident, there have been no direct train connections between Groningen and Leer. The new Friesenbrücke is set to open for pedestrians and cyclists in the spring of 2025, with train services expected to resume in the summer.
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